How to Get the Most Out of Your Compact Tractors
John Deere's compact tractors are loved for their versatility, reliability and user-friendliness. Still, though, you want to be sure you're getting your money's worth out of your investment. Below, we've put together a How-To guide answering all of your questions and ensuring that you get the most out of your machine.
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How to Familiarize Yourself with the Controls
First and foremost, it's important to remember that every machine is different. Consult your operator's manual for details on your specific machine. This is a necessary step before attempting to attach any implements for a smoother and safer experience.
Quick Tip: Locate and understand your tractor's key components such as the throttle, hydraulics, transmission, and PTO.
How to Manually Inspect Your Compact Tractor
Regular manual inspection of your compact tractor is an easy step to avoid expensive mistakes later. Here's a quick list of common inspection checkpoints:
- If the machine has been in storage, check its engine compartment for rodents or birds.
- Check that your radiator and radiator screens are clean. If clogged, blow out with compressed air.
- Lug nuts can come loose over time. Check and tighten them regularly.
- Be sure that your tractor is winterized with an antigel product before the weather gets below freezing.
- Regularly check all fluid levels and tire pressures. Refer to your operator's manual for your machine's specifics.
- Conduct a regular visual inspection and cleaning to minimize opportunity for rusting.
How to Use PTO
Operating implements requires the use of your tractor's power take-off (PTO). Here's a quick guide to ensure that you're using PTO properly, whether mowing, tilling or using other attachments.
- Only engage PTO when your tractor's engine is at an idle speed.
- After attaching your implement, find the PTO lever or switch on your control panel and engage it.
- Allow a few moments to ensure the PTO system is stabilized.
- Know and monitor your RPMs. PTO-driven implements require a specific RPM, which can be found in your tractor's or implement's manual. This step is crucial.
- When done, disengage the PTO by idling and switching the lever off. Again, allow a moment to ensure PTO is fully disengaged to avoid damage to both the tractor and the implement.
How to Attach Implements
Let's take a look at a few different implements to ensure that you're familiar with each type of implement connection.
How to Attach AutoConnect™ Mid-Mount Mower Deck: This one's simple. Align your wheels, and drive over the deck ramps. Listen for the deck and PTO to attach. Once they're attached, you're ready to adjust your mower height and get to mowing!
How to Attach Rotary Tiller: The Rotary Tiller can be quickly attached to your tractor's 3-point hitch system by backing up to the implement. Align the hitch system's lift arms to the implement's lift arm pins. Secure the implement with lynch pins through the lift arm pins. Adjust and connect the hitch's top link, and you're ready to go. Click here to check out John Deere's step-by-step video guide to this process.
How to Attach Front Loader: Drive forward, aligning your tractor's mounting frames to the loader masts. Once aligned, engage your parking brake, and shut off the engine. Connect the implement's hydraulics with quick couplers. Drive forward, and position mount frames with mast notches. Retract lift cylinders until your front wheels lift off the ground, and secure latches in locked position. Raise the loader, and get to work. Here's another walkthrough video for more assistance.
How to Utilize iMatch™ Quick Hitch: The Quick Hitch system easily attaches to your tractor's 3-point hitch, and makes attaching rear implements much easier. Once the Quick Hitch is attached, you'll simply back up to your implement, making sure to align the top hook. Once the top hook is in place on the implements's lift arm pin, everything is lined up. Raise the implement, and close the locking lever to secure it in place.
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How to Best Maintain Your Equipment
Regular maintenance is key to the longevity and success of John Deere's compact tractors, and the easiest way to ensure that your investment can pay itself off. The first step to tractor maintenance is, as mentioned above, manual inspection. On top of that, you should have your machine regularly maintained by professionals. Follow the link below to request service and take a look at our current service specials.
How to Practice Safety on Compact Tractors
Practice safety at all times on your equipment. Basic safety practices are outline in your operator's manual. Be sure to always use eye protection while operating your tractor. Be mindful of your surroundings including bystanders, obstacles and terrain. Click here to see John Deere's Safety Tips and Guides.
Contact Your Local Shoppa's John Deere
We know that we've only scratched the surface of operating John Deere compact tractors. If you have questions that aren't addressed above, don't hesitate to reach out to one of our experts at Shoppa's. We're here to help, and happy to answer any questions you may have.